Covariations of unhealthy weight loss behaviors and other high-risk behaviors among adolescents

Article Abstract:

Teenagers who try to lose weight by vomiting or taking diet pills, water pills, or laxatives may be more likely to risk their health and life in other ways as well. Researchers surveyed 4514 teenagers (study group) who reported using these unhealthy weight loss methods about their drug use, number of sexual partners, frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse, history of suicide attempts, and frequency of various delinquent activities. They evaluated these same high-risk behaviors in 4514 age-matched teenagers (controls) who did not report using unhealthy methods to lose weight. There were strong associations between unhealthy weight loss habits and all of these high-risk behaviors. These associations decreased with increasing grade level for the girls in the study group. Ninth-grade and sixth-grade girls in the study group were seven to eight times more likely to have attempted suicide and were four to 14 times more likely to routinely smoke or drink alcohol than the controls.

Health aspects, Risk factors, Teenage girls, Weight loss, Behavior disorders in children, Childhood mental disorders

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Problem dieting behaviors among young adolescents

Article Abstract:

Teenagers frequently use diet pills, vomit, or use laxatives to lose weight or compensate for overeating unhealthy foods. Researchers surveyed 2,331 students in grades 6-8, and found that 10% of girls and 4% of boys reported vomiting or laxative use to lose weight, and similar proportions used diet pills. Unhealthy dieting behavior in girls was associated with feeling overweight and eating candy and other sweets, while in boys it was associated with feeling overweight and indulging in high-fat foods.

Usage, Demographic aspects, Eating disorders, Bulimia, Appetite depressants

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Weight-Related Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls and Boys: Results From a National Survey

Article Abstract:

Many teenagers may be at risk of an eating disorder. In a study of 6,728 teenagers, about one-fourth were overweight. Half the girls and 20% of the boys said they had tried dieting at some point. This indicates that many had concerns about their weight. Thirteen percent of the girls and 7% of the boys had an eating disorder. Eating disorders were more common in those who were overweight, had low self-esteem, were depressed or suicidal, or abused drugs.

Statistical Data Included, Surveys, Eating disorders in children, Childhood eating disorders, Body weight

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